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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Botanic Gardens will be expanded with the addition of a new parkland.
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said a 9.8-hectare parkland at Tyersall Avenue will be added to the Gardens.
This parkland will form a seamless extension to the west of the Gardens, bringing the total area of the Botanic Gardens to almost 74 hectares.
And there will be a new arboretum on the parkland. The Tyersall addition is slated to be completed by 2012.
Mr Mah said: "A rich diversity of flora and fauna, including some rare species, exists in the forest at this new site. An arboretum will be developed to capitalise on this rich biodiversity, integrating the forest in the extension with the existing rainforest within the Botanic Gardens to form an enlarged forest habitat.
"This Tyersall Learning Forest will showcase the best of tropical trees that grow under local conditions, and strengthen the Botanic Gardens' position as a premier institute for research, conservation and education.
"Visitors will be able to appreciate this unique collection of trees and plants through various thematic walks within the Tyersall Learning Forest, featuring giant trees with the potential to grow up to some 60 metres in height, trees with interesting forms and barks of various textures, a conservation collection of rare fruit and nut species, and a bamboo garden."
Another highlight of the parkland will be a new marshland that will showcase a diversity of tropical wetland plant species and aquatic wildlife, including birds and amphibians. And nature lovers can take in the beauty of the marshland from viewing decks along boardwalks on the marshland.
Mr Mah was speaking at the opening of "Garden of Hope", a new section at the Botanic Gardens, on Monday.
The Garden of Hope comprises four mini gardens, connected by footpaths with plants and recycled materials woven into the garden to create lovely forms. It is a project by students from Assumption Pathway School and Northlight School.
Over the past month, these students had worked under the guidance of two internationally recognised, award-winning garden designers - Australia's Jim Fogarty, and Singapore's Alan Tan - to design and build the garden.
The Botanic Gardens turns 150 this year and to celebrate its birthday, 150 couples will gather at the Gardens next month to exchange nuptial vows in a mass wedding ceremony.
- CNA/ir
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